2011 Pacific Classic - Acclamation

Acclamation, with a patented front-running ride from veteran jockey Patrick Valenzuela, held off favored Twirling Candy in the final furlong to win the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I)by a head before 29,267 at Del Mar Aug. 28.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64757/acclamation-pulls-off-p...

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[rcschumann]

@Beachrunner333 What the hell are you doing over here then?! I was just calling out this "American" for contradicting himself all the time.

[Beachrunner333]

@rcschumann ...now you're over here? Get a life!!!

[rcschumann]

@GBeret83 A few days ago you declared Stay Thirsty "a load to beat" at the Classic, praising his powerful stride after he won the Travers. Now you're calling this year's crop "very weak"?! Which is it? Also, this is no slouch that beat the favorite - in 2011 Acclamation had won a G1 and a G2 at middle distance, and a G1 at 9f, all prior to winning this race. This was hardly an upset, and Twirling Candy showed versatility in running a close 2nd over his weakest distance. Watch his G1 Malibu.

[MBernier08]

@GBeret83 As far as Tizway goes, the majority of his best performances have been over the Belmont strip. His run at Saratoga was huge and fits right in with his Belmont efforts, but his other performances, while not bad, haven't been nearly as strong as when he runs at Belmont Park. Of his last 8 runs, his 4 worst have been at Churchill, Gulfstream, Aqueduct and Charles Town. Of his 4 best, 3 have been at Belmont. Maybe I'm just looking for reasons to play against him in the Classic already...

[MBernier08]

@GBeret83 You have to assume Hollendorfer didn't like the way Blind Luck was handling the poly at Del Mar; really was looking forward to her giving the boys a run. I'm intrigued to see how Havre De Grace runs this weekend in the Woodward...mainly how she stacks up against Flat Out. I don't think it is the strongest of fields assembled, some would argue Giant Oak, I've never been a fan. If she wins, I think the Larry Jones and ownership have to consider the Classic over the Ladies Classic.

[GBeret83]

@MBernier08, Much agreed!! I would rate Blind Luck or Havre De Grace as favorite over any of the American males to win the Classic. I also whole heatedly agree with you about Tizway. He's looked about as good as any of the older males on conventional dirt this season. But his ability to stay 10f is very much in question? The only time Tizway has ever tried 10f was the 09' JCGC, and ended up a well beaten 3rd. About 6 lengths behind Summer Bird and about 5 lengths behind Quality Road that day.

[MBernier08]

@GBeret83 To me, the only horses that have a chance to solidify themselves as "the favorite" for the Breeders' Cup Classic are the two fillies (Blind Luck and Havre de Grace) and Tizway. My only concern about Tizway is his ability to stay the 10 f (we'll find out in JCGC), but I had my doubts about him getting 9 furlongs in the Whitney, too. Both fillies can get 10 furlongs, it's just a matter of race setup. However, it's a moot point if the two fillies are headed to the Ladies' Classic.

[GBeret83]

Just another result that further proves my point that there's no standout at all among the older American horses this season. And frankly, there's very little that shines in among a very weak 3yr.old crop. Acclamation was long odd's to beat Twirling Candy or Game on Dude in the Pacific Classic. IMO, for the first time in awhile, the Breeders Cup Classic is vulnerable to the Europeans. If they send the right horse to run in the race? TJMO.

[aussie420eg6]

Grrrr damn auto correct didn't*

[aussie420eg6]

Yeah I saw that too I'm suprised there wasn't an inquiry but she sent have to pull up so it's understandable. Congrats to the Warren barn and my Dad :) the dude high 5ing p Val